An examination of the relationships between acculturative stress, perceived discrimination, and eating disorder symptoms among ethnic minority college students. (January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kwan, Mun Yee; Gordon, Kathryn H.; Minnich, Allison M.
• Is Part Of: Eating behaviors. Volume 28(2018)
• Page Start: 25
• Page End: 31
• Publication Date: 2018-01
• Subjects: Acculturative stress -- Perceived discrimination -- Ethnic minority populations -- Undergraduate students -- Eating disorder symptoms; Eating disorders -- Periodicals; Compulsive eating -- Periodicals; Obesity -- Periodicals; 616.8526
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2017.12.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-0153

Abstract

Abstract: Empirical evidence suggests the importance of considering acculturative stress and perceived discrimination in understanding the mental health of ethnic minority groups, including their eating behaviors and associated psychopathology. The current study examined the effect of acculturative stress and perceived discrimination on eating disorder symptoms among ethnic minority undergraduate students. A total of 187 ethnic minority undergraduate students (41.2% men) completed this cross-sectional study by completing self-report questionnaires on a secure online system. Regression analyses revealed a main effect of acculturative stress on eating concern, shape concern, weight concern, drive for thinness, and bulimia but not restraint or body dissatisfaction. Gender moderated the effect of acculturative stress on drive for muscularity, suggesting that this effect was only significant in women, but not men. The main effect of perceived discrimination was significant for restraint, eating concern, shape concern, weight concern, and drive for muscularity but not drive for thinness, bulimia, or body dissatisfaction. Acculturative stress and perceived discrimination are important factors to consider in understanding the development and maintenance of eating disorder symptoms among ethnic minority populations. Targeting these two factors may improve the effectiveness of intervention programs for eating disorder symptoms among ethnic minority undergraduate students. Highlights: Acculturative stress was related to greater levels of eating disorder symptoms. Perceived discrimination was related to greater levels of eating disorder symptoms. Gender moderated some of these relationships. Treatments should consider acculturative stress and perceived discrimination.